One of the nicest ways to let someone know that you’re thinking about them is to send them a little gift!
If you are on a budget, this may be something that you struggle with!
We live in a world that is constantly showing you the latest trend and style – and those usually cost a lot of money.
When it comes to thoughtful gifts, it doesn’t have to be anything too lavish. Just a little reminder that “I love you and appreciate our friendship.”
Below are 15 thoughtful gift ideas for friends when you’re on a budget.
1.) Thoughtful note and a Gift Card
You can NEVER (ever) go wrong with a gift card.
What woman would dislike a gift card to Starbucks, TJ Maxx & Homegoods, her favorite restaurant, or her favorite clothing boutique?!
Sit down and write a note of encouragement and remind her how much she means to you.
Pop in a little gift card (it can be $15, $30, or $100)…whatever is in your budget!
A little note and a thoughtful gift card is bound to lift anyone’s spirits.
2.) A coffee/tea related gift
Do you have a caffeine-lover in your life? Or maybe just someone who enjoys a nice warm tea?
You can find the cutest stainless steel mugs on Amazon!
But if your friend is more of a traditional glass mug kind-of-girl, just type “Best Friend Mug” into Amazon.
You’ll laugh! The first page is full of mugs ranging from hilarious, fun, and sassy to warm, kind, and thoughtful.
Next, choose a coffee or tea that your friend will love.
A local coffee shop should give you some amazing options.
However, if you are looking for a more “grocery store” approach, Teavana has some lovely flavors of tea (Walmart & Target). And stores like Fresh Market have some amazing freshly ground coffee options.
Or if you want something more high-end, do some online research and find a flavor you know your friend will love. Skies the limit!
Side Note: If you want to be really fancy, you can always add a French Press or a coffee grinder to the gift. Make it a full set!
3.) A Basket of Girly-Goodies
Source: Fun Squared
Whether a girl is 7 years old or 70 years old, she will always love a little basket of girly gifts!
First, you can buy a basket at the Dollar Tree or Dollar general for a $1.
Next, you fill it with some products that you know your friend will love!
Gift Ideas: Decent-quality nail polish (Essie or Opi), favorite lip gloss, a few chocolate bars, body butter, face scrub, a gift card, purse-size hand sanitizer, framed picture of you both, gum/mints, and even a gag gift that is an inside joke.
4.) Something Practical for the Kitchen
If your friend is a busy Mom or enjoys being in the kitchen, buy her something pretty, but practical!
Maybe some refrigerator bowls with lids, classy kitchen towels, wooden cutting board, utensil holder, or anything else that is practical!
You probably know her personal taste, so buy something practical that will make her smile.
5.) A Lost-Stuff Finder
Do you have a friend who is always losing their phone, keys, remote, etc.
Why not give them a little gift that will help them track it down!
Check out the “Tile Mate”, a small bluetooth tracker device that you can attach to anything you are prone to lose. You can then track it or set off an alarm, so you can find where your lost item is.
There are plenty of other related options on Amazon.
6.) Anything Pampering-Related
A gift card to get a manicure, pedicure, hair stylist, massage, or facial is always an A+ friendship gift!
But sometimes, a $80 spa treatment isn’t in the budget!
Instead, maybe buy a super soft & cozy blanket or nightrobe (Walmart, Target, Marshalls, Homegoods).
If you want to add something else, include a charcoal face mask, body exfoliation brush, quality candle, essential oils, body lotion, etc.
7.) Succulent Plant(s)
Succulent plants are extremely popular right now!
Why not turn them into a thoughtful gift.
Go to your local Lowes, Home Depot, or flower shop and pick out one or two potted succulent plants.
Include a card that says something about growth. “Let’s grow old together!” or “I love that our friendship has grown over time!” or “I’m glad we’ve grown closer”.
Cliche, right?! But it’s cute – and thoughtful.
8.) A Winning Book
Never underestimate the power of a book that you know she will love.
Perhaps is a classic novel that will go perfectly on her bookshelf, a morning devotional that will encourage her, or a motivational/self-help book that will help her stay motivated to reach her goals.
If you aren’t sure what she will enjoy, search the The New York Times Best Seller list.
You are bound to find something that will peak her interest!
9.) Cute Rain Gear
What woman doesn’t love a uniquely-patterned, colorful umbrella or rain jacket? Maybe a pair of traditional rain boots?
If she’s going through a hard time, add a note that says “Don’t let anyone rain on your parade! You are amazing!”
These items are always going to come in handy, so you can’t go wrong here.
10.) A Coffee Table Book
What woman doesn’t like a book filled with pictures of something she is totally interested in?!
Does your friend love home design, home decor, floral arrangements, cooking, photography, history, travel, or fashion?
You will probably be able to find an amazing coffee table book for every interest you can think of!
Compare pricing options between Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million.
11.) A Dinner & Movie Night
Have a simple girls night – just the 2 of you.
A yummy meal and a good movie either out on the town or in one of your homes.
Simple and traditional is sometimes the winner!
12.) An electronic accessory
The electronic device is the expensive part.
There are dozens of affordable accessories that are always fun to try out.
A pocket-size bluetooth speaker, an Amazon fire stick (amazing), a clip-on car phone mount, fun phone case, headphones, selfie stick, fitness tracker, etc.
All these items are very affordable and incredibly useful.
13.) Pizza Delivered to her Work
When you know she is stressed at work or going through a rough time, have pizza delivered to her workplace!
It’s an affordable “gift for everybody” that is bound to lift her spirits (and those of her co-workers).
14.) Inside Joke or Gag Gift
Don’t underestimate the power of humor!
Do you both have a tv show that you love? Buy something hilarious that is related to that?
The Office, Friends, Parks and Recreation, New Girl, Big Bang Theory, Arrested Development, and the list goes on.
Pro Tip: Etsy is the place to search for amazing, personalized gag gifts!
15.) A Period Survival Kit
If your a girl, you know what this means.
CANDY AND CHOCOLATE, BABY!
Fill a box with her favorite junk food – chocolate bars, gummies, chips, jerky, bubblegum, pretzels, chocolate-covered anything, and everything in between!
Or if she is super healthy, adjust your snack options accordingly. 🙂
If your goal is to find an affordable gift, set yourself a budget and don’t go over it.
When hunting for a gift, it is so easy to find yourself spending way more than your originally intended.
Don’t forget that the addition of a thoughtful and loving note can go a long way!
